soapdragon Posted August 5, 2014 Share Posted August 5, 2014 Just wondering if anyone had any experience of returning 'electronics' to Lidl I bought a watch for ES at the end of March and it recently stopped working. Took it to get a replacement battery but it turns out that it is not the battery but a fault with the watch - as yet undiagnosed! Having looked out the reciept and instruction book it seems I have to e-mail Germany with details of product/fault etc (which I have done) but OH says he thinks that, under British consumer law, I can take it back to the shop with reciept and get my money back It was £16.99 so not that expensive but not a real cheapy either. Not sure what the response from Germany will be.......hope I don't have to send it back there I did mention in my e mail that I thought it fell under the remit of British law and therefore my contract was with the shop that sold it (I offered to check this out with local trading standards for them too ) Surely this is a case of goods being 'unfit for purpose'? Guess I am just winding myself up (as I clearly can't do that to the watch ) whilst awaiting a response.....just really hoping this is going to be straightforward but fearing not! Can anyone shed any light on this....or maybe even wind me up further Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 5, 2014 Share Posted August 5, 2014 From what I can remember, your contract is with the shop which you bought it from, and if it's not fit for purpose (quote that phrase to them as it usually makes them jump!) then you should either be offered a replacement or refund. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merlina Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 DM is correct - your contract is with the shop (not the manufacturer). So ant suggestion that you should talk to them is unlawful. The law says goods must be of 'merchantable quality' - ie fit for purpose (Sale of Goods Act 1979). Clearly a watch is supposed to last for a lot longer than 4 months - the 1979 Act suggests a normal time period of 6 months (up to 6 years). If they point to any notices saying that you cannot get a refund directly from them, then point out that they cannot opt out of the above Act and any attempt to do so is unlawful under the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted August 6, 2014 Author Share Posted August 6, 2014 Thanks for that...havn't heard back from the service centre in Germany yet but at least I am armed and ready should they decide to be awkward! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggasperated Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 I returned a rechargeable hedge trimmer to either Aldi or Lidl (can't remember which) when it wouldn't hold a charge and they refunded my money immediately, no quibble. Have you actually been to the shop with the watch and asked them for your money back? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted August 6, 2014 Author Share Posted August 6, 2014 Good point! No I havn't been to the shop as the warranty says that you have to contact the service centre in Germany via 'phone or e-mail so, being a good little girl ( ) I did as I was told (theres a first time for everything!!!! ) I will be passing tomorrow so, if the car park is not heaving, perhaps I'll chance my arm esp if there is still no response from Germany! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redbug Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 I have taken back electrical item to shop - they gave me a refund no questions asked. Very good service!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted August 7, 2014 Author Share Posted August 7, 2014 Oh silly me Not having had a response from the German site that I was instructed to contact by the warranty I called into the shop today and got a refund straight away without even having to mention the words 'Trading Standards'!!!! So thanks for your help, Omleteers! Its good to know that, had things turned tricky, I had sound advice and support Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Sometimes you need to have the sort of info you get on here, just so if you do run into difficulties you can deal with them at the time Glad all was sorted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redbug Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Well done Lidl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggasperated Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Much better customer service at Aldi and Lidl than Tesco. Three times I've had to return faulty electrical items to Tesco and each time they've tried to get me to return them to the manufacturer, I've always had to quote the sales of goods act and really stand my ground to get a refund or replacement, they will never send the item for repair either. I won't buy anything like that from Tesco anymore as I can't stand the arguing when there is a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
